Difference between off grid and on grid solar system in india

Difference between off grid and on grid solar system in india

What is a Solar System?

A solar system is an arrangement that uses solar energy to create electricity. A typical solar system includes of-

1. solar panels - which collect sunlight
2. solar inverter - which converts DC to AC
3. a mounting frame - which holds the panels in place
4. batteries - which store excess electricity
5. a grid box
6. and system balancing (wires, nuts etc.).

All solar power systems operate on the same fundamental principles. Solar panels use the photovoltaic (PV) effect to convert solar energy or sunlight into direct current (DC) power. The DC electricity may either be stored in a battery or transformed into AC power by a solar converter, which can then be utilised to power household appliances. Excess solar energy can be delivered into the power grid for credits or stored in a number of different battery storage devices, depending on the kind of installation. A solar system can be 1 kWh, 2 kWh, 3kW, 5kW, 7.5 kW, or 10kW in size. On an average a house with monthly electricity consumption of 1000 kWh requires 26 – 30 solar panels (Each solar panel is of 320 watt).

The three main types of solar system are-

1. On-grid - also known as a grid-tie or grid-feed solar system
2. 2. Off-grid - also known as a stand-alone power system (SAPS)
3. 3. Hybrid - grid-connected solar system with battery storage

On-grid and off-grid are the two most common types of solar systems. On-grid means that all the components of your system must be connected to the grid. Off-grid means that you have your own power generation system, but it may or may not be connected to the grid. Each has its benefits, but if you want to get into solar it's important that you understand what each system entails so that you can choose which one is right for your home or business.

What is an Off-Grid Solar System?

Off-grid solar systems operate independently of the grid but include batteries that can store the solar power generated and supply electricity after the power goes off or during the night.

The 5 Main Parts Of An Off-Grid System

1. Battery Inverter/charger or Multi-mode hybrid inverter
2. Solar inverter (AC) or MPPT Solar charge controllers (DC)
3. Battery bank
4. Solar panels
5. Generator (Optional)

Off-grid solar systems must be properly built in order to generate enough electricity throughout the year and have enough battery capacity to satisfy the needs of the residents, even in the dead of winter when there is often significantly less sunshine.

How does an off-grid solar system work?

An off-grid solar system is significantly more sophisticated than regular solar systems, but that complexity allows it to accomplish a lot more. Most people who build an off-grid solar system want to use solar to meet all of their energy demands. That implies they'd be completely self-sufficient. As a result, many of these systems are typically found in more isolated regions where access to electricity is difficult.

A solar panel, a solar inverter, a battery, and system balancing are the four major components of an off-grid solar system. The panels, like typical systems, catch sunlight and transfer it to an inverter, which converts the energy into power. Finally, it is sent to a battery inverter, where the energy is stored until needed. A charge controller is required if you wish to run DC applications (12V), such as fans and lights. If you wish to operate AC appliances (220V), you'll need an inverter to convert the DC voltage to the AC voltage. Nowadays, all inverters operate automatically, which means that the electricity generated by the solar system charges batteries and immediately powers appliances. In addition, in the event of a power outage, batteries directly power appliances.

What is an On-Grid solar system?

An on-grid or grid-tied solar system is one that operates in tandem with the power grid. This implies that any surplus or deficit in electricity may be supplied back into the grid via net metering. Many household users are choosing for an On-grid solar system since they may receive credit for the extra power produced by their system and save money on their electricity bills. You will always have access to power, whether from the solar system or the grid. They are not powered by batteries.

How does an On-Grid solar system work?

On-grid solar power systems use a solar power system to generate electricity and are directly linked to the utility power grid. These systems feed surplus solar electricity to the utility grid, and users are reimbursed for the extra power supplied back.

What is the difference between an off-grid and on-grid solar system?

The main differences between off-grid and on-grid solar systems are-

1. An Off-Grid solar system will continue to operate even if power is lost, however, an On-Grid system would not.
2. A grid-connected solar system is less costly than an off-grid solar system.
3. An off-grid solar energy system is not tied to the utility grid, but an on-grid (also known as grid-tied) solar energy system is.
4. If your PV system is not connected to the grid, you will not receive an electric bill. Even though your solar system generates 100 percent of your power, if you choose a grid-tied system, you may still notice a few minor costs on your electricity statement.

How much would an off grid solar system cost?

Off-grid solar systems are available in a variety of sizes for a variety of purposes, including small homes, 2-3 floor homes, shops, offices, schools, warehouses, and more. The lowest range of an off grid solar system is 500W, the average range is 1kW, and the maximum range can range from 3kW to 10kW. Simply said, the cost of a 1kW off-grid Solar System with a Single Battery (12V) is around Rs. 80,000, whereas the cost of a 1kW Off Grid Solar System with a Double Battery (24V) is approximately Rs. 100,000. The cost of any solar system is determined by factors such as technology, brand, service, and warranty.

How much would an on grid solar system cost?

In India, the cost of an on-grid solar power system ranges from Rs. 66,999 for a 1 kW system to Rs. 4,37,480 for a 10 kW system with installation. Transportation, installation, net metering, and all other costs are included in purchasing a solar system.

Off-Grid Solar System types- AC or DC coupled types-

Off-grid systems can be powered by either AC or DC connected power sources. Common AC-coupled generating sources include solar inverters, wind turbines, and backup generators (gen-sets), whereas DC-coupled sources include MPPT solar charge controllers and micro-hydro systems.

The size of the system determines whether the system is AC or DC linked. The majority of small-scale systems under 6kW are DC linked and employ efficient MPPT solar charge controllers. Larger off-grid systems can be AC or DC linked, depending on the kind of inverter-charger utilised and compatibility with various solar inverters (AC) or solar charge controllers (DC). Most current multi-mode inverters may be both AC and DC linked, resulting in a very secure, flexible power system with numerous charging choices and the ability to perform a black-start operation if the primary inverter fails, the backup generator fails, or the batteries are exhausted.

Small DIY Off-Grid Systems-

MPPT solar charge controllers, also known as solar regulators, are used in small-scale off-grid solar systems and DIY systems used on caravans, boats, tiny residences, and cottages. They are linked between the solar panel/s and battery. The charge controller's function is to ensure that the battery is charged appropriately and, more critically, that it is not overcharged. The load output terminals on most modest 12V/24V solar charge controllers are frequently utilised for basic DC lighting circuits. Simple 'plug-in' type inverters are used in modest DIY systems to provide 240V or 120V AC power. These are available in a variety of capacities, ranging from modest 150W inverters to 3000W or greater.

Important factors to consider when estimating off-grid solar systems-

1. Daily average energy consumption (kWh) - Summer and winter
2. Peak load (kW) - The maximum amount of electricity used by loads.
3. Average continuous load (kW)
4. Solar exposure - Location, climate, orientation & shading
5. Options for backup power - During inclement weather or a power outage

The primary battery inverter-charger, often known as a multi-mode inverter, since it can typically function in both off-grid and on-grid modes, is the fundamental component of an off-grid power system.

What are the latest technology trends in solar inverters?

There are two types of solar inverters, 1) PWM Based – relatively low efficiency, and 2) MPPT Based – high efficiency

PWM Based – It stands for a pulse with modulation; these inverters are inefficient yet inexpensive. PWM-based inverters are ideal for minor uses such as operating 3-4 fans, 8-10 lights, 1-2 televisions, and 1 refrigerator during the day and night.

MPPT Based – It is an abbreviation for Maximum power point tracking. If the goal of your solar investment is to save money on your utility bills, MPPT-based inverters are the way to go.

Faq –

Which is best, on grid or off-grid solar?

Being grid-tied is beneficial because you don't have to buy an expensive battery back-up system to store any excess energy. Being off-grid means you are not connected in any way to your grid's power system or utility company.

What is the disadvantage of on-grid solar systems?

Disadvantages of On-grid Solar System or Things to Consider

No Energy Independence: Because they rely on the availability and stability of the utility grid, on-grid technologies do not provide energy independence.

What is the difference between grid and off-grid solar panels?

An off-grid solar energy system is not connected to the utility grid, whereas a grid-tied (aka on-grid) solar energy system is connected to the utility grid.

What is the difference between on-grid and off-grid solar systems ?

Off-grid solar systems store power in batteries to be used when the grid is down, but they require more specialized, complex, and expensive equipment including charge controllers, inverters, and batteries, costing up to 4 times as much as an on-grid system.

Which type of solar system is best for a home?

Monocrystalline panels typically have the highest efficiency and power capacity. They can reach efficiencies of over 22% and provide over 300 watts (W) of power capacity. Many even exceed 400 W. Polycrystalline solar panels, on the other hand, rarely exceed 17% efficiency and tend to have lower wattages.

What are the benefits of on grid solar system?

Some benefits of an on-grid solar system include reduced electricity bills, lower carbon footprint, and the potential to earn money through net metering.

Which type of solar panel is more efficient?

Monocrystalline solar panels are the best type of solar panel in terms of efficiency. Their ability to capture sunlight is higher than both polycrystalline panels and thin-film solar panels. This is also why they are more expensive than cheap solar panels, which are almost always made from polycrystalline.

Which is better hybrid or on grid solar system?

Hybrid systems are better in terms of reliability while on-grid solar systems are a plus for people on a budget. You can select which solar system would be better for you— as per your needs, after going through this comprehensive explanation of both systems.